This talk summarizes a three-part project that considers synergistic integration of potable water reuse and desalination systems. In the first part, a modeling framework is developed to evaluate combining treated wastewater with seawater reverse osmosis (RO) streams. It was found that potable reuse scenarios, where treated wastewater is combined with intake seawater, lowered energy consumption, seawater intake volume requirements, and discharge volumes compared to scenarios with seawater only as the influent. In the second part of the research, noting similarities between treatment processes at seawater RO desalination and potable reuse facilities, the developed framework is used to consider a future scenario of augmenting a potable reuse facility with seawater to meet potable water demand during peak periods and/or droughts. Alterations that would be required at the potable reuse facility to treat higher salinity feedwater are considered including chemical additions and selection of suitable RO membranes. The benefits of additional water supply of the seawater are weighed against additional energy consumption. In the third part of the research, the energy impact of combining RO brine streams and regional brine interceptor/collector streams with wastewater upstream of RO desalination at a potable reuse facility are evaluated. Two scenarios were considered: one that includes seawater inflow and infiltration that is common in coastal regions and one that does not. The best salinity ranges to implement energy recovery devices and high-recovery RO were distinguished. This work also builds on theoretical work that has been published regarding implementation of energy-recovery devices and high-recovery RO and seeks to bridge the gap between these studies and actual desalination systems pursuing high water- and energy-recovery objectives.

Potable water reuse and desalination: More salt, less energy

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.